Vineyard Ministry School is the second step in our journey of training. There are two programmes. The first year is a foundational course and the second year is a learning community. 

The first year is for those people who want to take a year out to focus their heart and passion for their next steps. VMS is great for those who are transitioning from one chapter in life to another and making the move from:

• School to study/working,
• Being a volunteer in a church to church staff/community trust staff,
• Moving from one place to another around the country



Ministry Students give a year to explore theology and practice with some great people from different churches across Aotearoa and with the support of a supervisor and mentor in their own context.

Students study towards a Certificate in Christian Ministry (level 4) and spend 15 hours per week serving in their own ministry context as well as 15 hours of study per week at VMS either online or in person at Grace Vineyard Church in Christchurch. We also enjoy 3 – 5 day long block courses 4 times each year where we get together for lots of learning, fun, food and connection. We work in partnership with Laidlaw College and the programme is NZQA accredited and approved for student loans, allowances, and fees free.

The second year is a learning community where participants connect with other leaders in the areas of kids, intermediates, youth, worship and media. There will be more ministry areas added as the need arises. Each semester starts with setting up a ministry plan with an onsite coach, then attending a Wednesday - Sunday hui in Christchurch, and then exploring key Vineyard theology and practice while working on goals and receiving coaching across the semester on a Wednesday. 

The first year is for:

• People who have completed Essentials and are ready to take time to explore their heart and passion for ministry.
• People who are stalled in their growth and development, or who are in transition from one chapter of life to another.
• People who want to learn what ministry is all about in the Vineyard context.

The second year is for:

• Graduates of CertCM
• People who are leading in a ministry area - Kids, Intermediates, Youth, Worship, Media (more areas added as the need arises)
• Those studying DipCS (CL) Diploma of Christian Studies at Laidlaw or higher, or working part time and wanting to learn in a Vineyard Community
• Those who are preparing to enter the Advanced Leadership Community

We want to:

• Make a space to learn the theology and practice of ministry.
• Provide foundational theological training
• Develop fruitful relationships across the church
• Develop peer coaching networks
• Involve the whole Vineyard whanau in training and sending out leaders who can multiply leaders.